-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Barcelona announced an internal investigation Tuesday after reports in Spain claimed that the club had commissioned detective agencies to spy on a number of their star players .

The Catalan giants confirmed on their official website that the club spent a total of 3.1 million euros -LRB- $ 4.04 million -RRB- on `` espionage '' between 2008 and 2010 .

The money went to the now defunct Metodo 3 agency and another company called the Intelligence Bureau and Cyber Experience .

Barcelona said that `` legal action will be taken to preserve the image of the club , the privacy of its employees and the legacy of the institution . ''

Spokeman Toni Freixa added : `` FC Barcelona wants to know ` who was spied on and why . ' ''

The alleged activities took place under the presidency of Joan Laporta , who was at the helm from 2003-2010 , one of the most successful spells for the famous Spanish club .

Current president Sandro Rosell , a fierce critic of Laporta , succeeded him in June 2010 , winning 60 % of a vote among Barcelona club members .

The relationship between the two has remained cool since Rosell was elected , but on the pitch under former coach Pep Guardiola and his successor Tito Vilanova , the triumphs have continued .

Reports on the Spanish website El Confidencial , claimed Metodo 3 trailed defender Gerard Pique and his pop star wife Shakira in 2010 -- following them to a concert to log their activities .

Former stars Samuel Eto'o and Brazil 's Ronaldinho were also believed to have been monitored in the past .

Blog : Will Guardiola return to Barcelona ?

The allegations come as Barcelona has suffered a mini slump in form , twice losing to rivals Real Madrid and having to cope with the absence of Vilanova , who is battling cancer .

Rosell told the official website that the board had `` absolute confidence '' in Vilanova and were supporting him as he undergoes chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York .

`` His recovery is our priority and I 'd consider this season a success if he fully recovers from his illness . He will not leave even if it costs us every single title .

`` He 's encouraged , and he 's eager to return . ''

A tentative return date of the end of March has been set by the Spanish league leaders , who are trailing AC Milan 2-0 from the away leg of their Champions League last 16 tie , another disappointing recent defeat .

`` In the event that Barca defeat AC Milan , the manager could be on the bench for the away leg of the Champions League quarter finals , '' Rosell told gathered reporters .

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Barcelona confirms it spent $ 4 million on `` espionage '' from 2008-2010

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Money went to two detective agencies in Spain

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Barca launch internal investigation to determine `` who was spied on and why ''

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Since coach Tito Vilanova underwent cancer treatment results have been indifferent